An emoji’s meaning comes from both its picture and the message around it. 👍 can acknowledge a message, 🎉 can celebrate good news, and 📍 can mark a meeting place. Some symbols also have slang meanings, so a literal reading will not always fit.
These 210 emoji entries give you a practical starting point for texts, group chats, and informal messages. They are a selection, not a popularity ranking or a complete list of every emoji. The examples show one possible use; they do not establish a fixed code that every sender follows.
Use these short readings for a quick lookup. Our face emoji guide explains more reactions and the differences between similar faces.
Emoji and name
Common meaning or use
Example message
1. 😀 Grinning face
Happiness or an upbeat greeting
We finally finished the display 😀
2. 😃 Grinning face with big eyes
Excitement or enthusiastic friendliness
The tickets arrived this morning 😃
3. 😄 Grinning face with smiling eyes
Warm happiness or amusement
That was a lovely afternoon 😄
4. 😁 Beaming face with smiling eyes
A broad grin, pride, or pleased excitement
My first batch of bread turned out well 😁
5. 😆 Grinning squinting face
Strong amusement
Your impression of the announcer was brilliant 😆
6. 😅 Grinning face with sweat
Nervous laughter or relief after a close call
I nearly sent the wrong attachment 😅
7. 😂 Face with tears of joy
Finding something very funny
The cat stole the chair again 😂
8. 🤣 Rolling on the floor laughing
Exaggerated, intense laughter
That unexpected ending got me 🤣
9. 🙂 Slightly smiling face
A small friendly smile, sometimes strained politeness
Thanks for checking the time 🙂
10. 🙃 Upside-down face
Irony, silliness, or amused frustration
The printer stopped on the last page 🙃
11. 😉 Winking face
A joke, a hint, or sometimes flirting
I may have saved you the biggest slice 😉
12. 😊 Smiling face with smiling eyes
Warmth, appreciation, or gentle happiness
Your message made my morning 😊
13. 😇 Smiling face with halo
Innocence, kindness, or joking innocence
I only borrowed one biscuit 😇
14. 🥰 Smiling face with hearts
Feeling loved, affectionate, or delighted
It was lovely to see everyone together 🥰
15. 😍 Smiling face with heart-eyes
Admiration, attraction, or loving enthusiasm
That view is incredible 😍
16. 🤩 Star-struck
Amazement or excitement about something impressive
I met my favourite author today 🤩
17. 😘 Face blowing a kiss
Affection or a playful kiss
Speak to you after dinner 😘
18. 😗 Kissing face
A kiss or puckered-lip expression
Sending you a little kiss 😗
19. 😚 Kissing face with closed eyes
Tender affection or a kiss
Have a peaceful evening 😚
20. 😙 Kissing face with smiling eyes
A cheerful affectionate kiss
See you at the station 😙
21. 🥲 Smiling face with tear
Being moved, bittersweet happiness, or smiling through sadness
The children remembered our first lesson 🥲
22. 😋 Face savouring food
Enjoying food or looking forward to it
The soup smells wonderful 😋
23. 😛 Face with tongue
Playful teasing
I called the answer first 😛
24. 😜 Winking face with tongue
Exaggerated joking or cheekiness
My secret recipe is mostly guesswork 😜
25. 🤪 Zany face
Being silly or acting wildly playful
Our group photo became chaos 🤪
26. 😝 Squinting face with tongue
Strong playful teasing or amusement
You are not getting my last chip 😝
27. 🤑 Money-mouth face
Money, profit, or joking excitement about wealth
The fundraising total is looking good 🤑
28. 🤗 Smiling face with open hands
A hug, welcome, or supportive warmth
You are welcome to join our table 🤗
29. 🤭 Face with hand over mouth
A suppressed laugh, embarrassment, or surprise
I accidentally read the stage direction aloud 🤭
30. 🫢 Face with open eyes and hand over mouth
Surprise or shock
They changed the ending completely 🫢
31. 🫣 Face with peeking eye
Nervous curiosity or reluctance to watch
I am checking the results now 🫣
32. 🤫 Shushing face
Asking for quiet or keeping something secret
The surprise starts at six 🤫
33. 🤔 Thinking face
Thinking, questioning, or scepticism
Would the smaller room work better 🤔
34. 🫡 Saluting face
Acknowledgement, respect, or playful readiness
I will bring the spare cables 🫡
35. 🤐 Zipper-mouth face
Keeping quiet or not revealing information
I promised not to reveal the winner 🤐
36. 😮 Face with open mouth
Surprise or amazement
They built that model by hand 😮
37. 😯 Hushed face
Quiet astonishment
I did not expect such a big audience 😯
38. 😲 Astonished face
Strong surprise
The whole room joined in the song 😲
39. 😳 Flushed face
Embarrassment, surprise, or feeling self-conscious
They announced my name before I was ready 😳
40. 🥺 Pleading face
An earnest request, vulnerability, or tender emotion
Could we keep the little drawing on display 🥺
41. 🥹 Face holding back tears
Being deeply moved or trying not to cry
You all came to see my first performance 🥹
42. 😦 Frowning face with open mouth
Alarm or worried surprise
They have closed the road to the venue 😦
43. 😧 Anguished face
Distress or dismay
I cannot find the only copy of the script 😧
44. 😨 Fearful face
Fear or apprehension
That cliff path looks frightening 😨
45. 😰 Anxious face with sweat
Anxiety or worried anticipation
The presentation starts in five minutes 😰
46. 😥 Sad but relieved face
Concern or sadness mixed with relief
The damage was smaller than we feared 😥
47. 😢 Crying face
Sadness or being upset
I will miss our weekly rehearsals 😢
48. 😭 Loudly crying face
Intense sadness, or exaggerated laughter or emotion
The reunion scene had me in tears 😭
49. 😱 Face screaming in fear
Shock, fear, or exaggerated excitement
I cannot believe we won the competition 😱
50. 😖 Confounded face
Frustration or distress
The file disappeared just before printing 😖
51. 😣 Persevering face
Struggling or enduring discomfort
I am trying to finish this difficult puzzle 😣
52. 😞 Disappointed face
Disappointment or sadness
The proposal was not accepted 😞
53. 😓 Downcast face with sweat
Stress, worry, or discouragement
I forgot the equipment list 😓
54. 😩 Weary face
Frustrated exhaustion
We still have another page of corrections 😩
55. 😫 Tired face
Strong tiredness or exasperation
I need a break from assembling chairs 😫
56. 🥱 Yawning face
Tiredness or boredom
The early train has caught up with me 🥱
57. 😤 Face with steam from nose
Frustration, determination, or a defiant mood
I am going to solve this puzzle today 😤
58. 😡 Enraged face
Strong anger
Someone deliberately damaged the display 😡
59. 😠 Angry face
Anger or irritation
Please stop moving my labelled folders 😠
60. 🤬 Face with symbols on mouth
Swearing or intense anger
The same error has erased my work again 🤬
Hearts and affectionate symbols
A heart colour can express affection or match a theme. Our heart emoji guide explains why colour alone does not establish romantic intent.
Emoji and name
Common meaning or use
Example message
61. ❤️ Red heart
Love, affection, or wholehearted appreciation
I am glad you were there for me ❤️
62. 🩷 Pink heart
Warm affection, tenderness, or fond appreciation
Your little note made my day 🩷
63. 🧡 Orange heart
Affection or a warm colour choice
Loved our autumn walk together 🧡
64. 💛 Yellow heart
Cheerful affection or friendly warmth
Thanks for keeping me company today 💛
65. 💚 Green heart
Affection with a green theme
Proud of our little garden project 💚
66. 💙 Blue heart
Affection, support, or a blue-themed message
We will be cheering from the front row 💙
67. 🩵 Light blue heart
Affection or a light-blue colour preference
Thinking of you this evening 🩵
68. 💜 Purple heart
Affection, appreciation, or community support
Thank you to everyone who supported the project 💜
69. 🤎 Brown heart
Affection, solidarity, or a brown-themed message
A cosy afternoon with my favourite people 🤎
70. 🖤 Black heart
Affection, dark humour, or a dark aesthetic
Our all-black stage costumes looked great 🖤
71. 🩶 Grey heart
Affection or a restrained grey colour choice
A quiet thank-you for being here 🩶
72. 🤍 White heart
Affection, gentle support, or remembrance
Sending care to you and your family 🤍
73. 💔 Broken heart
Heartbreak, loss, or strong disappointment
I am sad our favourite venue is closing 💔
74. ❤️🔥 Heart on fire
Passion or intense enthusiasm
That live performance was extraordinary ❤️🔥
75. ❤️🩹 Mending heart
Emotional recovery, comfort, or support
Take all the time you need; I am here ❤️🩹
76. ❣️ Heart exclamation
Affectionate emphasis
So happy you could come along ❣️
77. 💕 Two hearts
Shared affection or loving warmth
That photo of us is going on the fridge 💕
78. 💞 Revolving hearts
Affection, connection, or a lively loving mood
Another lovely evening with the group 💞
79. 💓 Beating heart
Affection or excited emotion
I cannot wait to see you after the journey 💓
80. 💗 Growing heart
Warmth or affection expressed with an expanding-heart design
I appreciate your kindness more than I can say 💗
81. 💖 Sparkling heart
Delighted affection or admiration
Your handmade card is beautiful 💖
82. 💘 Heart with arrow
Romance, a crush, or being struck by love
That first coffee together became my favourite memory 💘
83. 💝 Heart with ribbon
Affection presented as a gift
I saved a little surprise for you 💝
84. 💟 Heart decoration
A decorative heart or affectionate accent
A small thank-you to our wonderful volunteers 💟
85. ♥️ Heart suit
The heart symbol from playing cards or an expression of love
I loved sharing the evening with you ♥️
Hand gestures and responses
Hand gestures can have different meanings across cultures. In an unfamiliar or formal setting, add a sentence and avoid assuming that a familiar gesture will be understood the same way.
Emoji and name
Common meaning or use
Example message
86. 👋 Waving hand
Greeting or goodbye
See you at the workshop 👋
87. 🤚 Raised back of hand
A raised hand or a request to pause
Hold on; I have one question 🤚
88. ✋ Raised hand
Stop, volunteering, or asking to speak
I can take the next turn ✋
89. 🖐️ Hand with fingers splayed
An open hand or greeting
Hello to the new members 🖐️
90. 🖖 Vulcan salute
A science-fiction greeting or wish of goodwill
Good luck with your next adventure 🖖
91. 👌 OK hand
Approval or saying something is acceptable
The revised time works for me 👌
92. 🤌 Pinched fingers
An expressive hand gesture with culturally variable meanings
That sauce is exactly right 🤌
93. 🤏 Pinching hand
A small amount or tiny size
Move it just a little to the left 🤏
94. ✌️ Victory hand
Victory, peace, or a casual farewell
Two tasks finished before lunch ✌️
95. 🤞 Crossed fingers
Hope or wishing for luck
Hoping the weather holds tomorrow 🤞
96. 🤟 Love-you gesture
The handshape for I love you in American Sign Language
Sending love across the miles 🤟
97. 🤘 Sign of the horns
A rock-music gesture or enthusiasm, with meanings varying by culture
Ready for the guitar solo 🤘
98. 🤙 Call me hand
A request to call or a relaxed shaka-style gesture
Give me a call when you arrive 🤙
99. 👈 Backhand index pointing left
Drawing attention towards something on the left
Use the entrance on this side 👈
100. 👉 Backhand index pointing right
Drawing attention towards something on the right
The next step is over here 👉
101. 👆 Backhand index pointing up
Referring to something above
The meeting address is in the earlier message 👆
102. 👇 Backhand index pointing down
Referring to something below
The registration details are underneath 👇
103. ☝️ Index pointing up
Emphasising one point or signalling a raised finger
One more detail before we start ☝️
104. 👍 Thumbs up
Approval or acknowledgement
I have received the file 👍
105. 👎 Thumbs down
Disapproval or a negative response
That route does not work for me 👎
106. ✊ Raised fist
Solidarity, resolve, or a celebratory fist
We are backing the community project ✊
107. 👊 Oncoming fist
A fist bump or a punch, depending on context
Nice work on the presentation 👊
108. 👏 Clapping hands
Applause or praise
Excellent explanation of the problem 👏
109. 🙌 Raising hands
Celebration or enthusiastic relief
The last box is unpacked 🙌
110. 🙏 Folded hands
Thanks, a request, or prayer
Thank you for collecting the equipment 🙏
People and everyday actions
People emojis can describe an activity, role, or reaction. They do not have to depict the sender literally; the examples use them as part of the message.
Emoji and name
Common meaning or use
Example message
111. 🤝 Handshake
Agreement, greeting, or cooperation
Glad we found a plan that works 🤝
112. 🫶 Heart hands
Affection, appreciation, or support
Thank you to our wonderful helpers 🫶
113. 💪 Flexed biceps
Strength, effort, or encouragement
One more practice session before the event 💪
114. 🧠 Brain
Thinking or an idea-related subject
Time to work through the puzzle 🧠
115. 👀 Eyes
Looking, curiosity, or watching closely
I am interested in that announcement 👀
116. 👂 Ear
Listening or hearing
I am ready to hear your suggestion 👂
117. 🗣️ Speaking head
Speech or speaking aloud
Please read the instructions aloud 🗣️
118. 👤 Bust in silhouette
A person, profile, or user
Each participant needs a separate account 👤
119. 👥 Busts in silhouette
A group or several people
The session works best in small groups 👥
120. 🙋 Person raising hand
Volunteering or asking to speak
I would like to help with registration 🙋
121. 🙅 Person gesturing no
Refusal or saying something is not allowed
Please do not bring food into the archive 🙅
122. 🙆 Person gesturing OK
Indicating that something is acceptable
The new arrangement is fine 🙆
123. 🤷 Person shrugging
Uncertainty or not having an answer
I do not know why the room is locked 🤷
124. 🤦 Person facepalming
Exasperation or embarrassment
I left the printed notes on my desk 🤦
125. 🙇 Person bowing
Respect, apology, or thanks
Sorry for interrupting your rehearsal 🙇
126. 💁 Person tipping hand
Offering information or a playful presentation of a point
The spare markers are in the top drawer 💁
127. 🧑💻 Technologist
Computer work or a technology role
I am fixing the registration form 🧑💻
128. 🧑🏫 Teacher
Teaching or a teaching role
Our tutor will lead the practice session 🧑🏫
129. 🧑🎓 Student
Studying or graduation
The course is complete at last 🧑🎓
130. 🚶 Person walking
Walking or going somewhere on foot
I will walk to the venue 🚶
131. 🏃 Person running
Running or being in a hurry
I am rushing to catch the train 🏃
132. 💃 Woman dancing
Dancing or celebratory energy
Looking forward to the dance tonight 💃
133. 🕺 Man dancing
Dancing or a festive mood
The music has started 🕺
134. 🧘 Person in lotus position
Meditation or a pause to relax
I am taking a quiet break 🧘
135. 🛌 Person in bed
Rest or sleep
I need an early night before the journey 🛌
Animals, plants, and weather
Animal and nature emojis may name the pictured subject or add a playful theme. Community-specific jokes can give them additional meanings that depend on where they appear.
Emoji and name
Common meaning or use
Example message
136. 🐶 Dog face
A dog or affectionate pet-related talk
Our new dog has found the sofa 🐶
137. 🐱 Cat face
A cat or a playful feline theme
The cat is supervising my notes 🐱
138. 🐭 Mouse face
A mouse or a small-animal theme
The story’s hero is a tiny mouse 🐭
139. 🐹 Hamster
A hamster or pet-related affection
The hamster finally tried its new wheel 🐹
140. 🐰 Rabbit face
A rabbit or a springtime theme
We saw a rabbit near the hedge 🐰
141. 🦊 Fox
A fox or a fox-related character
The woodland trail has a fox sign 🦊
142. 🐻 Bear
A bear or a cuddly bear theme
My niece chose the bear costume 🐻
143. 🐼 Panda
A panda or a panda-themed message
That panda documentary looks interesting 🐼
144. 🐨 Koala
A koala or an Australian wildlife theme
The class is learning about koalas 🐨
145. 🐯 Tiger face
A tiger or a bold animal theme
Our team mascot is a tiger 🐯
146. 🦁 Lion
A lion or a lion-themed image
The mural needs a lion beside the tree 🦁
147. 🐸 Frog
A frog or a playful amphibian theme
The pond is full of little frogs 🐸
148. 🐵 Monkey face
A monkey or cheeky playfulness
The story has a mischievous monkey 🐵
149. 🙈 See-no-evil monkey
Not wanting to look or feeling embarrassed
I cannot watch my old rehearsal video 🙈
150. 🙉 Hear-no-evil monkey
Not wanting to hear something, often playfully
No spoilers for the final scene 🙉
151. 🙊 Speak-no-evil monkey
Keeping quiet or reacting to an accidental revelation
I nearly gave away the surprise 🙊
152. 🦋 Butterfly
A butterfly or a light nature theme
The garden has its first butterfly 🦋
153. 🐝 Honeybee
A bee, pollination, or a busy mood
The flowers are attracting bees 🐝
154. 🌱 Seedling
A new plant or the beginning of growth
Our first seeds have sprouted 🌱
155. 🌿 Herb
Leaves, herbs, or a green nature theme
The windowsill herbs are doing well 🌿
156. 🌸 Cherry blossom
Blossom, spring, or a floral accent
The park is full of blossom 🌸
157. 🌻 Sunflower
A sunflower or a cheerful floral theme
I brought flowers for the table 🌻
158. ☀️ Sun
Sunshine or a sunny mood
A bright morning for the outdoor event ☀️
159. 🌧️ Cloud with rain
Rain or gloomy weather
We should move the picnic indoors 🌧️
160. 🌈 Rainbow
A rainbow, hope, or Pride-related expression
A rainbow appeared after the shower 🌈
Food, travel, and occasions
Food and travel symbols often refer directly to plans. Keep the place, time, and invitation in words so the recipient can act on the message.
Emoji and name
Common meaning or use
Example message
161. 🍎 Red apple
An apple, food, or a school-related theme
I packed an apple for the break 🍎
162. 🍌 Banana
A banana or a food reference
We need bananas for the breakfast table 🍌
163. 🍓 Strawberry
Strawberries or a sweet fruit theme
The cake has fresh strawberries 🍓
164. 🍋 Lemon
A lemon or a citrus flavour
Add a squeeze of lemon to the dressing 🍋
165. 🥑 Avocado
Avocado or an avocado-based meal
I am making avocado toast 🥑
166. 🍕 Pizza
Pizza or plans to share it
Shall we order pizza after practice 🍕
167. 🍔 Hamburger
A burger or a casual meal
The café has a new burger menu 🍔
168. 🍟 French fries
Chips or fries
I saved some chips for you 🍟
169. 🍿 Popcorn
Popcorn, film-watching, or watching a developing situation
Ready for the film night 🍿
170. 🍰 Shortcake
A slice of cake or a treat
There is cake in the kitchen 🍰
171. 🎂 Birthday cake
A birthday or celebration
Hope you enjoy your birthday 🎂
172. ☕ Hot beverage
Coffee, tea, or a warm-drink break
Meet me for a coffee before the talk ☕
173. 🫖 Teapot
Tea or making a pot of tea
I will put the kettle on 🫖
174. 🥂 Clinking glasses
A toast or celebration
Here is to finishing the project 🥂
175. 🍽️ Fork and knife with plate
A meal or dining plans
Dinner starts after the reception 🍽️
176. 🚗 Automobile
A car or travelling by car
I can drive us to the venue 🚗
177. 🚌 Bus
A bus journey
The group will arrive by bus 🚌
178. 🚆 Train
A train journey
My train should arrive before noon 🚆
179. ✈️ Airplane
Flying or air travel
I am travelling home tomorrow ✈️
180. 🚲 Bicycle
Cycling or a bicycle
I will cycle to the library 🚲
181. 🏠 House
Home or a house
I have arrived home safely 🏠
182. 🏖️ Beach with umbrella
A beach visit or holiday
Looking forward to a day by the sea 🏖️
183. 🎉 Party popper
Celebration or congratulations
Your application was accepted 🎉
184. 🎈 Balloon
A party, celebration, or decoration
We are decorating the hall 🎈
185. 🎁 Wrapped gift
A present or surprise
There is a little gift waiting for you 🎁
Objects, work, and symbols
Objects can be literal or shorthand for an activity. A symbol such as ✅ suggests completion, but an important confirmation should also say exactly what is complete.
Emoji and name
Common meaning or use
Example message
186. 💀 Skull
A skull or exaggerated laughter and shock in slang
That accidental rhyme finished me 💀
187. 🔥 Fire
Fire, intensity, excitement, or strong praise
The final chorus was excellent 🔥
188. ✨ Sparkles
Shine, emphasis, or an admiring flourish
A fresh coat of paint changed the room ✨
189. ⭐ Star
A star, a favourite, or praise
That was the highlight of the evening ⭐
190. 💯 Hundred points
Full agreement or strong approval
I completely agree with your suggestion 💯
191. ✅ Check mark button
Completion or confirmation
The venue booking is confirmed ✅
192. ❌ Cross mark
A negative answer, error, or cancellation
The old link no longer works ❌
193. ⚠️ Warning
A caution or a point needing attention
Please check the changed start time ⚠️
194. ❓ Question mark
A question or uncertainty
Is the afternoon session still going ahead ❓
195. ❗ Exclamation mark
Emphasis or urgency
The registration deadline is today ❗
196. 💬 Speech balloon
A message or conversation
Send your questions before the session 💬
197. 💭 Thought balloon
Thinking or imagining
I am considering a different opening 💭
198. 💡 Light bulb
An idea or a moment of understanding
We could use a simpler diagram 💡
199. 📌 Pushpin
A point to remember or something pinned
Keep the room number handy 📌
200. 📍 Round pushpin
A location or meeting point
Meet us at the library entrance 📍
201. 📅 Calendar
A date or appointment
The rehearsal is on Thursday 📅
202. ⏰ Alarm clock
A reminder or timing
Please arrive ten minutes early ⏰
203. ⏳ Hourglass not done
Waiting or time passing
The file is still uploading ⏳
204. 📚 Books
Reading or study
I am preparing for the discussion 📚
205. 📝 Memo
Writing, notes, or a task list
I have written down your suggestions 📝
206. 📧 E-mail
An email or sending information by email
I have sent the agenda by email 📧
207. 📱 Mobile phone
A phone or mobile communication
Message me when you arrive 📱
208. 💻 Laptop
Computer work
I will finish the slides tonight 💻
209. 🎤 Microphone
Singing, speaking, or a performance
Your turn to introduce the next speaker 🎤
210. 🎯 Bullseye
A target, goal, or getting a point exactly right
That example answers the question perfectly 🎯
Why the same emoji can mean different things
A literal symbol can acquire a figurative use. 🔥 may refer to a fire or praise for a performance. 💀 may describe a skull or exaggerated laughter. Even familiar gestures such as 👍 can feel warm, brisk, or dismissive depending on the words and the conversation. Use the whole message to decide which reading fits.
Do emoji meanings change between apps?
Apps and devices may display the same character with different artwork. Some platforms also give reactions or icons a specific role inside the app. A coloured heart beside a profile, for example, may be part of an app feature rather than an ordinary message. Check that feature’s explanation instead of applying a general emoji meaning.
Are emojis the same as emoticons and stickers?
Emojis are characters such as 😊. Emoticons are combinations of text characters, such as 🙂 or :-(. Stickers are images supplied by an app or sent as pictures. A sticker can have similar emotional meaning to an emoji, but it is not necessarily a standard character you can copy between apps.
How to copy and use an emoji
Select the emoji character in the entry and copy it, then paste it into your message. You can also use your device’s emoji keyboard.
Some emojis contain several code points joined together. Copy the complete visible symbol so a partial selection does not change it.
If you see a box or separated symbols, the app or device may not support that emoji design. Use a familiar alternative or write the meaning in words.
Keep essential information in readable text. Names, deadlines, directions, and decisions should remain clear without the emoji.
Which emojis should you avoid in a professional message?
Avoid ambiguous, suggestive, insulting, or strongly emotional symbols when they do not fit the relationship. A laughing or eye-rolling reaction can undermine a serious complaint. Hearts and kisses may feel too personal in a first business contact. Write the response plainly first, then add a symbol only if it improves the tone for that recipient.
Before sending, check that the words still explain what you mean if the emoji is removed. Thanks for checking the figures 👍 works because the sentence carries the acknowledgement. A standalone 👍 leaves more room for interpretation. See our ways to improve communication skills for more advice on clear messages.
